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Unread 12/12/2018, 08:00 PM   #1
nbd13
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Returning after 10 years...Top 5 protein skimmers?

Hi,

I've been out of the hobby for almost 10 years now, with my 3 year old son loving Blue planet, the "bug" has got me again. BUT I need help!

Equipment has changed so much! Right before I got out I had a Bubble King skimmer and now I do not even recognize the names of the skimmers anymore.

Can someone please list the top 5 or so protein skimmers? Looking for a decent one so please help!

Thanks,

Nick


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Unread 12/12/2018, 08:47 PM   #2
bblumberg
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Dunno about top 5, but I have used and like Aquamaxx and Lifereef (actually replaced by the Aquamaxx) as well as Tunze for a nano tank. Space in your sump and size of the tank will be important considerations.


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Unread 12/12/2018, 10:03 PM   #3
FullBoreReefer
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Royal exclusive
Vertex Alpha
Lifereef
Reef Octopus
Nyos

No particular order. They might not all be in the top 5, but they ring a bell and albeit pretty close.


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Unread 12/13/2018, 05:56 AM   #4
nbd13
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Thanks guys. The tank will likely be between 120-180 gallons still trying to decide. In the past I used to always oversized the skimmer as I like to keep a heavy fish load.

Nick


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Unread 12/13/2018, 06:23 AM   #5
ostrow
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Nothing beats my ETSS. Nothing close. Some changes in this time have not been for the better!

But you can only get them used now....


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Unread 12/13/2018, 10:22 AM   #6
tom obrecht
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BK is still in my "Top List". I personally have run BK, ATB, Euroreefs, Reef Octopus, Deltec, with a number of others. If you had good luck with Royal Exclusive products in the past I would stick with them. Their quality and performance is still waaay up there! Scott Leif (Slief here on RC) is the USA rep. He is a great guy and will help you in anyway he can. My vote is BK.


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Unread 12/13/2018, 10:47 AM   #7
steallife904
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I just upgraded to the bubble Magus Curve Elite. Thing is legit. Was skimming first day. Best skimmer I have ever had.


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Unread 12/14/2018, 06:46 AM   #8
Big E
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nbd13 View Post
Hi,

I've been out of the hobby for almost 10 years now, with my 3 year old son loving Blue planet, the "bug" has got me again. BUT I need help!

Equipment has changed so much! Right before I got out I had a Bubble King skimmer and now I do not even recognize the names of the skimmers anymore.

Can someone please list the top 5 or so protein skimmers? Looking for a decent one so please help!

Thanks,

Nick
I'd look into the Aquamaxx skimmers..........perform as well as the high priced internal skimmers. I've got two of them on separate systems.
You can oversize and it won't break the bank.

You may remember me...............I bought your external Deltec from you. If you want similar performance none of the internal skimmers will perform as well.


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Unread 12/14/2018, 07:29 AM   #9
Green Chromis
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ostrow View Post
Nothing beats my ETSS. Nothing close. Some changes in this time have not been for the better!

But you can only get them used now....
Agree the ETSS skimmers are still the best, but you need a big pressure rated pump to run them. I use an Iwaki 100 RLT on mine.


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Unread 12/14/2018, 08:08 AM   #10
Joe Kelley
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I have to agree with you Ed, I was a sceptic but Aquamaxx cone 2 on 130 gal system works so well. If I had a 180 I"d get the cone 3 and be done with it. I was out of the hobby for 13 years and back then had the big name skimmers. Aquamaxx just works very well IME. Good luck with your tank Nick and enjoy the hobby! HTH

Joe


Quote:
Originally Posted by Big E View Post
I'd look into the Aquamaxx skimmers..........perform as well as the high priced internal skimmers. I've got two of them on separate systems.
You can oversize and it won't break the bank.

You may remember me...............I bought your external Deltec from you. If you want similar performance none of the internal skimmers will perform as well.



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Unread 12/14/2018, 09:20 AM   #11
tvu
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I agree with Aquamaxx skimmers.

I’ve had their CO-1 skimmer, Q3 and now FC-280. They’re awesome! Mine have always broken in almost instantly after a quick rinse in faucet water.

On sale at 20% off from Marine Depot makes them a no brainer. Actually I saw the CO-2 version on sale this week.

This is a few days after setup of the FC-280:



My Q3 that’s going on my other tank:



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Unread 12/14/2018, 11:01 AM   #12
heritage
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Aquamaxx as well. I ran the q2 on my 125 and now the q3 on my 180 . Hands down the best skimmer I ever used. Its literally set it and forget it.


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Unread 12/14/2018, 11:14 AM   #13
solitude127
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If your budget is a little tight, Aquamaxx is a good bang for your buck skimmer. If your budget is a little open, go with Bubble King like you had before.


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Unread 12/14/2018, 09:41 PM   #14
tvu
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The Q3 is 25% off right now. Best price I’ve seen it for.


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Unread 12/15/2018, 03:47 PM   #15
doradosteve
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Quote:
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The Q3 is 25% off right now. Best price I’ve seen it for.


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Who is running that special?


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Unread 12/15/2018, 05:37 PM   #16
heritage
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Quote:
Originally Posted by doradosteve View Post
Who is running that special?
Lol.... let me guess, you went and checked the sites like I did?


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Unread 12/15/2018, 07:29 PM   #17
tvu
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Originally Posted by doradosteve View Post
Who is running that special?


Marine depot is running a few specials.


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Unread 12/15/2018, 11:35 PM   #18
ca1ore
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Some things have certainly changed in the last 10 years, though the underlying principles of the skimmer have not. I’d still be using the same skimmer from 10 years ago had I not cleverly broken it. If you’re looking for a serious skimmer, then ETSS, MTC, MRC or lifereef. Otherwise, I don’t think it really matters .... they all look about the same to me.


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Unread 12/16/2018, 08:27 AM   #19
shellsea
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Lifereef.


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Unread 12/16/2018, 01:43 PM   #20
cali9dub
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I have a 180 and am using a Vertex omega 200i and it is awesome. It is WAY underrated and I only run it during the day and shut it down at night and it is phenomenal. When I tried to run it 24/7 it was a nightmare because it’s so efficient. My tank only has 10 or so fish though. If you are going to stock it heavily check out the Vertex. I swapped from an aquamaxx to the vertex because I won it in a raffle and it is a beast...and I LOVED the aqaumaxx. I think this Vertex would handle a 500 gallon tank well stocked !


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